The holiday season is often touted as a time for rest and reflection, but let’s be real—it’s actually the perfect opportunity to dive into some fantastic video games. And what could be more fitting for this cozy period than games designed for relaxation? These offerings are every bit as creative as their action-packed counterparts but come without the stress.
Whether you’re exploring your backlog or scrolling through the Xbox store for fresh finds, we’re here to guide you to some standout cozy games. We’ve organized them into categories to help you pick the one that matches your current vibe. So, pour yourself a warm beverage, grab your favorite blanket, and let’s get started!
### Fun on the Farm
Farming simulators are essentially the birthplace of cozy gaming. They offer a sanctuary where you can grow crops, hang out with friends, and embark on adventures at your leisure. Whether you’re in the mood for something combat-free or yearn for a little challenge, these games have something for everyone.
#### Stardew Valley
Available on Cloud, Console, and PC
Inheriting your grandfather’s farm in Stardew Valley sets you off on a rewarding journey to turn a neglected plot into a beautiful home. Along your journey, you’ll upgrade your farming, fishing, and fighting skills, while crafting new items and recipes. Form friendships with the charming townspeople, find love, and explore fresh content in the new 1.6 update. Whether solo or in co-op with up to eight friends, now’s a perfect time to enjoy what Stardew Valley offers.
#### Lightyear Frontier
Available on Cloud, Console, and PC
If farming on an astronomical scale appeals to you, Lightyear Frontier delivers. Create your utopian space homestead with the aid of your customizable mech companion. Dive into an open world as you uncover planetary secrets and assist the ecosystem. This cozy simulator is perfect for those who dream of farming with giant robots, and you can invite up to three friends for online escapades.
#### Coral Island
Available on Cloud, Console, and PC
Escape from urban hustle and bustle to craft your idyllic tropical sanctuary on Coral Island. Befriend the island’s community of over 70 unique characters, cultivate crops, nurture animals, and engage in activities like fishing and treasure hunting. Embrace a laid-back way of life in this charming farming sim.
### Comfy, Cozy Puzzles
If the pastoral life isn’t your thing, perhaps a series of delightful puzzle games will capture your interest. These aren’t mind-benders—they are explorations of beautiful worlds with puzzles that soothe and satisfy, each gorgeously crafted.
#### Botany Manor
Available on Cloud, Console, and PC
Step into the boots of Arabella Greene, a retired botanist refurbishing her estate’s garden in this charming puzzle game. Discover clues and revive forgotten flora, unlocking more of the manor as you piece together Arabella’s history and legacy.
#### A Little To The Left
Available on Cloud, Console, and PC
Lose yourself in the bliss of organization in this darling puzzle game. With over 100 scenarios, tidying up everything from screws to pantry items becomes an art. If you find serenity in order, this game promises a satisfying experience.
#### Strange Horticulture
Available on Cloud, Console
Dabble in the mysterious as the owner of a plant shop, uncovering new plant species in an eerie town. This game masterfully blends the haunting with the serene, as you solve botanical puzzles to unravel a dark yet enthralling narrative in Strange Horticulture.
### Light-hearted Adventures
Maybe you’re in the mood for something engaging yet stress-free. These games provide a perfect balance of exploration and action minus the intensity of battles or major decisions. Discover cityscapes, embark on atmospheric climbs, and more in these easygoing adventures.
#### Lil Gator Game
Available on Cloud, Console, and PC
Venture through a vivid island filled with secrets and friendly faces as a playful little gator. Complete quests and make new pals in this adorable platformer that’s all about joy and discovery at your own pace.
#### Dungeons of Hinterberg
Available on Cloud, Console, and PC
In Dungeons of Hinterberg, mix thrilling dungeon explorations with relaxing social aspects. As Luisa, choose each day to explore dungeons or mingle with the locals in this curious town. It’s a delightful blend of light challenges and charming downtime.
#### Little Kitty, Big City
Available on Cloud, Console, and PC
View a bustling city through a feline lens in Little Kitty, Big City. This cozy exploration invites you to be a mischievous kitty on a quest to return home, meet animal friends, and stir up just a bit of chaos—all at your leisure.
#### Spiritfarer
Available on Cloud, Console, and PC
Embrace a tender management adventure in Spiritfarer. As Stella, guide spirits to the afterlife while you explore an enchanting universe. Craft, cook, farm, and even play in co-op mode with a friend as Stella’s cat, Daffodil.
#### Jusant
Available on Cloud, Console, and PC
Experience the ascent of a lifetime in Jusant, a serene puzzle adventure. Armed with climbing tools, navigate a towering structure, discovering ecosystems and honing your skills along the way. Relish the journey, not just the goal, in this meditative game.
#### A Short Hike
Available on Cloud, Console, and PC
A Short Hike takes you on a scenic walk through Hawk Peak Provincial Park’s mountainous terrain. Play as a small bird and enjoy a serene adventure, uncovering secrets and making friends en route to the summit.
#### Disney Dreamlight Valley
Available on Cloud, Console, and PC
Immerse yourself in the magic of Dreamlight Valley, mingling with beloved Disney and Pixar characters. This life simulator-inspired game offers creative freedom, letting you decorate, solve challenges, and restore the land to glory alongside familiar heroes and villains.
### Cozy Narrative Delights
For those hankering after a compelling story, look no further. These narrative-driven gems promise engaging tales woven with cozy gameplay. Whether you’re a budding photographer or embarking on a claymation space journey, fascinating stories await.
#### Chicory
Available on Cloud, Console, and PC
Unleash your artistic side in Chicory, where you solve puzzles with a paintbrush and unravel the mystery of the missing artist, Chicory. It’s a tale of creativity and connection within a community full of personality.
#### Toem
Available on Cloud, Console, and PC
Snap your way through Toem, a photo-centric adventure packed with quirky encounters. Use your camera’s lens to explore a hand-drawn world, capturing moments as you reveal hidden stories within its magical scenery.
#### Harold Halibut
Available on Cloud, Console, and PC
Dive undersea in Harold Halibut, a narrative-driven point-and-click tale of retro charms and adventure. Meet extraordinary figures as you navigate through an underwater space hub and uncover hidden histories of human society.
### Satisfying Cleanups
Who says cleaning can’t be calming? These games offer therapeutic tidying, so you can de-clutter virtual worlds while your real-life chores wait!
#### PowerWash Simulator
Available on Cloud, Console, and PC
In PowerWash Simulator, find reinvigorating satisfaction by spraying away dirt in diverse settings—from cars to subways. As you scrub, you’ll unveil a quirky narrative around Muckingham’s residents, making it a spotless adventure to behold.
#### House Flipper
Available on Cloud, Console, and PC
Get creative in House Flipper, wielding an array of tools to transform neglected homes into stunning spaces. Engage in renovations of your design, offering some pleasant escapades into the world of property makeovers.
#### Unpacking
Available on Cloud, Console, and PC
In this narrative puzzle game, follow a character’s life through the act of unpacking. As you neatly place belongings around each new environment, you’ll draw together their personal narrative through cherished items.
### Nostalgic Cozy Favorites
Nothing quite beats the comfort of old favorites. This collection of reimagined classics lets you relive or introduce cherished series, sparking both nostalgia and fresh joy.
#### Spyro: Reignited Trilogy
Available on Cloud, Console, and PC
Take flight in this marvelous remaster of the classic Spyro series. Glide through enchanting realms, free comrades, and collect treasures in a cozy as ever platforming adventure, available on Xbox Game Pass!
#### Crash Bandicoot: N’Sane Trilogy
Available on Cloud, Console, and PC
Jump back into the iconic Crash Bandicoot series with this beautifully remastered trilogy. Defeat Dr. Neo Cortex in classic levels with a fresh polish, whether you’re an old fan or a newcomer to these chaotic adventures.
#### Return to Monkey Island
Available on Cloud, Console, and PC
Revisit the chaos of Monkey Island with Guybrush Threepwood in this modern revival of the beloved series. Packed with the series’ trademark humor and puzzles, it offers a delightful return for fans and a perfect entry point for newcomers.
These selections aim to light up your holiday with comfort, joy, and a little bit of nostalgia, all from the joy of gaming.
